Explore the Croatian Islands by Boat & Bike

Posted on August 11, 2016

I recently travelled through the Adriatic Sea — along the Dalmatian Coast — to explore the southern islands of Croatia by boat and bike. It’s a photographer’s dream! Croatia has it all: friendly people, beautiful architecture, great food & wine, spectacular scenery with clear blue water, mountains, beaches, vineyards, and …boats, boats, and speedboats from Boat Rental in the Keys! If you are attracted to a seafaring culture, I would highly recommend visiting these islands along with the Greek Island Hopping -Hostelbay 2018 crew, if you do, you will experience their people and customs layered in centuries, or millennia, of significant historical events. Until then, please enjoy the journey with me through my photos!

I began my boat trip in Trogir, a beautiful harbor town just north of Split… with old narrow cobble-stoned streets, quaint shops and outstanding restaurants.

Trogir, Old Town

Trogir, the Harbor

We embarked on our boat (seen above) and sailed off on our journey. Our path took us from Trogir to Solta, Vis, Korcula, Hvar, Brac… and finished in Split.

One must always learn the ropes of safe boating in order to avoid boating accidents. Visit aceboater.com to take up their course on boating and get a boating license.

We head to sea!

Throughout history, the inhabitants of these islands have lived off an abundant amount of fish and other seafood. Boats are far more commonly owned than cars! The bright blue color of the water juxtaposed with the white buildings and red roofs are captivating.

Harbor town of Pucisca on Brac, famous for much of the world’s highest quality white marble. It’s found in the White House and the Vatican!

Heading home… quicker and easier than a car on Brac.

The beautiful village of Masclinica on the island of Solta.

An evening sail.

Town of Komiza on the tiny island of Vis. Vis was a militarized zone for centuries and only opened up to tourists in 1995.

The water is stunningly blue along the southern coast of the island of Korcula, known also for its old growth forests. Venice did not have access to the island —controlled then by the Republic of Dubrovnik– to plunder the trees for its boat building industry during the Renaissance and after.

Borrow a kayak and explore the hidden coves. Here is Chasing Atlas guide, Pau Sab, doing some R&D on the sea!

Find a table by the sea, or in a quaint village and load your plate with freshly caught fish!

Nonno, an excellent restaurant along the harbor in Korcula. Incredible views and wonderful food! Try the great octopus salad, a local favorite.

Nonno Restaurant, Korcula.

Explore the streets of the villages… it’s like walking through time. Korcula is the birthplace of Marco Polo! Who knew?

Marco Polo was born in Korcula but died in Venice, after many decades of traveling the world. You can visit his house, now an interesting museum.

The hidden streets of Pucisca, Brac.

Sunset ride in Korcula, along the harbor by the old fortress walls.

Beautiful art abounds throughout the islands.

Many people are not aware that fantastic wines come out of Croatia. It is actually one of the oldest wine regions in the world. The viticulture in current Croatia existed hundreds of years before the rise of the Roman Empire. DNA analysis has revealed that the well-known Californian grape Zinfandel, is genetically equivalent to the major grape varietal on the islands, Crljenak Kastelanski, its ancestor!

Spying the sea through the buildings on Vis.

Gorgeous flowers are everywhere on the islands, here in the streets of the bustling tourist town of Hvar.

Hvar.

View of Hvar and the neighboring islands from the fortress. Best viewpoint in the islands and well-worth the hike up the hill! Don’t miss it… the prison of the old fortress is creepy and fascinating. I highly recommend a visit.

Hvar, as seen from the fortress.

The locals here are witness to many occupations over the decades, and going further back to their ancestors, over the centuries… they are colorful and kind people.

Old man entertaining the crowd in Hvar.

Three Old Men; one sees this sight often!

A fisherman who came in empty handed today in Vis.

And, yes, there are a few old ladies too. The youth? they go to school mostly in the cities on the mainland, ferrying over daily.

And, the countryside… we cycled through it daily. It’s by far the best way to explore the quiet backroads, tiny villages, fields of flowers and multiple vineyards.

Wild poppies and lavendar everywhere ~ Stunning!

Many small churches such as these dot the landscape.

One of the many hidden bays and beaches… this one on Korcula.

Pay attention. While the cars are few and far between, you may see a boar or two! The roads are perfect for cyclists.

A beautiful place to take a rest and hydrate… Water or wine… your choice!

Just another quiet and beautiful long downhill to the sea… in this case, to the town of Komiza on Vis. (And, yes, you must do the climb to enjoy the ride down!)

It really is this beautiful. My riding buddy and friend, Jill Murwin, doing a little R&D checking out the roads and views on Korcula.

Day and night, by boat and by my new Bike Hint bike, it’s an outstanding adventure to explore the islands of Croatia. The experiential travel and adventure company, Chasing Atlas, can organize a customized large group (boat holds 18-22), small group or intimate trip there for you. Contact Jill Murwin @ChasingAtlas to inquire ~ info@chasingatlas.com or www.chasingatlas.com.

Sunset at the Old Church in the harbor of the town of Vis, on the island of Vis.